Tanner just landed his first press mention and he’s very excited to be featured in his hometown paper, the Malibu Surfside News. Thanks to Suzanne, Bill and the publisher, Anne, for helping focus attention on GIMME SHELTER and the books central issues – helping rescue dogs and curbing the anger epidemic.
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| Tanner taking time to smell the roses (pansies) |
In my haste to spread the word about Maryland’s misguided law (nothing gets a ‘recovering’ angry guy worked up like picking on Pitties), I forgot to include some statistics from GIMME SHELTER about the odds of being killed by a Pit Bull. While the numbers are a few years old, they illustrate how the media’s obsession with these ‘killer’ dogs is perversely overblown. I’m including them now to give you a sense of perspective.
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| Eugenie and Tanner |
Wasn’t sure what to write about this week when a online petition came in that I just I had to share it with our friends. It’s asking the Maryland Appleate Court to overturn a ridiculous piece of legislation passed by the morons in the Maryland Legislature in 2012:
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| ‘Inherently Dangerous’ Tanner about to claim another victim |
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| Tre-T literally bouncing off the walls |
Tanner, Eugenie and I are thrilled to announce the start of the Gimme Shelter Campaign to help rescue animals. We had already committed 10% of the book’s profits to animal rescue causes when our friend and fellow writer, Dan Cohen, suggested we offer interested organizations discount codes so that their members could save on the book and earn donations for their groups. It took a few weeks to work out the tech kinks but now it’s a reality. By pointing their members and supporters to our online store, www.buygimmeshelter.com, and using the unique codes that we supply, they earn $1.00 for every book sold through their groups. In the coming weeks, we’ll be announcing some of our ‘partners’. Right now, if you know any organizations that could use a helping hand, have them get in touch with us to learn how they can join the Gimme Shelter Campaign.
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Now that Genesis Awards are behind us, we’d like to thank the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) for letting us contribute to the cause by offering e-copies of GIMME SHELTER to the celebrity presenters. Hope they enjoy the book as much as we appreciate all the hard work the HSUS does raising awareness of animal issues. For a look at photos of the star-studded gala, check them out on Facebook.
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Lastly, my sister and mad dog lover Honey pinned me a photo of the most decorated war dog in the history of the United States. Wanna guess the breed? That’s right, a Pit Bull named Stubby.
This past Monday, Eugenie and I had the honor of attending a book signing and Q & A by Garth Stein, author of the wildly popular “The Art of Racing In The Rain“. – “Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn’t simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life’s ordeals. On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through.”
Stein’s appearance marked the first in the initial season of the Malibu Library’s ‘author events’ and it was terrific. He read from his wonderful novel, told personal anecdotes related to the creation and publication of the book including how his then-agent told him that no one would ever read a book narrated by a dog and that no one would ever be able to sell or publish it. He didn’t gloat but then again he didn’t have to, since the book has garnered all sorts of praise, spent 150+weeks on the ‘best seller’ list, earned a gazillion dollars and is now being made into a major film by Universal Studios. He was charming, funny, serious, insightful – in short, it was the author as performance artist par excellence. With my first two author ‘events’ fast approaching (details to follow shortly), this newbie was taking serious notes. I couldn’t help thinking that, unlike Garth’s racer hero, Denny, my issue is raging in the rain, the sun, the snow, the fog or just about any condition you can think of. If you’re wondering what I’m rambling about, you need to get a copy of GIMME SHELTER. And while you’re buying books, if you’ve never read Stein’s gem, get it. And you tough guys, be sure to buy a box of Kleenex, too, because you’ll need it.
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| Garth Stein signs ‘Racing’ for Lou and pal Robby Mazza, foreground |
Tanner and I wanted to take a moment to mention some animal organizations and their upcoming events that you might want to consider supporting:
–The Humane Society of the United States, Genesis Awards – the equivalent of the animals Oscars they celebrate the role that the news and entertainment media and high-profile individuals play in rasing awareness of animals issue. They are being held on Saturday, March 23, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. If you have a few bucks to spare (pay, more than a few), tickets are still available at 310.440.0600. At Tanner’s urging (and with some help from our neighbor and fellow dog rescuer Gary K.) we’ve donated digital copies of GIMME SHELTER to the VIP gift bags for this year’s gala.
Operation Blankets of Love – an award-winning non-profit 501(c)3 public charity. They collect, transport and distribute recycled and new pet-related items to comfort stray, sick, neglected and abused homeless animals in shelters, rescue groups, sanctuaries and foster groups. In addition, as an Emergency Response Team, they partner with those organizations to provide relief and comfort to animals that are displaced or endangered by catastrophe.
St. Martin’s Animal Foundation – Founded in in 1999, SMAF is committed to aleviating the suffering of animals through the power of media. They will be hosting a ‘Mad Hatter Benefit’ on Sunday, May 19, from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at La Maison Lounge 11608 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA. 661-269.2164.
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On a different front, as friends and readers of Gimme Shelter know I’ve been studying and teaching martial arts for over 30 years. Since 1992, I’ve had the honor to train and teach under Sensei Mel Pralgo at Conejo Family Karate where we practice traditional Okinawan GoJu Ryu karate – the “wax on, wax off” style made popular by the original Karate Kid movies starring Pat Morita and Ralph Macchio. If you know anyone who could benefit from this amazing mind-body training, check us out. And be sure to tell them Tanner sent you.
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| 4th from left, Sensei Mel Pralgo, far right, Lou Spirito |
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| Rebell @ ‘Head of the Meadow’ Beach, Cape Code, MA |
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| Tanner & Dexter, the cereal killer |
from GIMME SHELTER: “These peaceful strolls [with Tanner] were a far cry from New York and my walks with Rebel. Morning and night, those streets throbbed with the energy of eight million bustling souls leaving their mark on the Naked City. Every trip meant seven flights of stairs, or waiting for the elevator and a possible scuffle with one of the hulking Shepherds, Akitas, and Dobermans that called our building home. For fun, we had the parks. There was Washington Square where Rebel made a game of rumbling over the homeless men who bunked in the weedy grass, and tiny James Walker on Hudson Street where we played ball in the snow at 4 AM after I’d finished driving my cab, cheered on by Norway rats the size of wildebeest.
Excitement was commonplace, even in Greenwich Village. On one occasion I foiled a car burglary, threatening to sic Reb with his wagging tail and goofy demeanor on the startled and not-so-bright thief. Another time, we chased a purse-snatcher down 8th Street and held him at bay until the police came screeching to the rescue. And there was the day, on a Westside Pier, when I pried a terrified Poodle from the jaws of a snarling Malamute. I took six stitches for my efforts, while Eugenie and Reb watched from the sidelines.
We met our share of city dogs–a Setter named Shiloh and a pointer named Raff were Reb’s favs-– but most of our pals walked on two legs, not four. Like the Lebanese brothers who owned the local deli. I don’t remember how it started, but they took a liking to “Rappi” as they called him. They insisted that I bring him along whenever I stopped by. While I did my shopping, he’d sit by the counter as they chucked him remnants of ham, turkey, and other cold cuts that they’d set aside just for him. If a customer dared to complain about the unsanitary practice, he was told–not asked-to leave. One gusty autumn afternoon, Rebel and I were strolling down Commerce Street by the Cherry Lane Theatre. He had just finished scarfing down a mountain of bologna. I was babbling to him, cooing his name or some variation (Reb or Rebbie) as he did his business. While I was picking up, I noticed a diminutive old woman headed my way. She was scowling. “You should be ashamed”, she said, wagging her finger and shaking her head. Her accent was European and thick, like Maria Ouspenskaya –“ It is the pentagram, the sign of the wolf”–in the original Wolfman. “You should be ashamed”, she repeated, waiting for an apology. I shrugged, perplexed. I’d bagged the poop; what more did she want? “To name the dog for the rabbi and make fun!” Being a heathen, it took me a moment to process my transgression. When I did, I rushed to explain but she waved me off and scuttled away, clucking in disgust.”
Like lots of writers and bloggers, I keep a file of stories I find interesting that I might want to share. In an old issue of Cesar Millan’s newsletter, I came across an article by Sarah Kosinski Cope about how she went from Pit Bull phobic to become a staunch advocate for the breed. Her ‘change of heart’ was so dramatic that she even started a non-profit that fosters and places Bullys. If you have a moment, check out COHPBR on Facebook.
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For a change of heart of the two-legged variety, how about Laker forward Meta World Peace, formerly Ron Artest. In an LA Times piece, irascible columnist T.J. Simers details how the former ‘thug’ and NBA pariah, who was suspended for a charging into the stands and brawling with rowdy, drunken fans, has become a self-controlled model citizen. As we angry guys know, it’s a hard feat to accomplish. Hats off to Meta/Ron, and here’s hoping the Lakers make the playoffs.
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| Eugenie and I with ‘the Dog Whisperer’ @ the SHARE benefit, Santa Monica, 2008 |
More ‘thank you’s – In the last post I forgot to mention Tony Greco from Screenwriter.com, and Ron & Justine Fontes at Sonic Publishing for plugging GIMME SHELTER. Also Sveetie, Zari, Sophie, Davidson Garrett, Bonnie Saito, Lisa Malta O’Leary, Paul Cheesman, Linda Nocon and Andrea Knipe for taking time to review the book.
It’s been almost 6 weeks now since GIMME SHELTER went live. In that time, we’ve had a bunch of wonderful comments from readers who found our little ‘tail’ entertaining and inspiring. Tanner, Eugenie and I find it especially gratifying to learn that other people find understanding and comfort from reading about my ‘anger’ problem and how it’s possible to get a handle on it, even after so many years.
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| Tanner @ ‘The Farm’ |
My in-laws Melissa, Gene & Sandra, Stephanie & Ernie and their son, Armand, for their love and encouragement. My parents for the lessons they helped me learn. My sisters, Honey and Mary, and my brother, Tony, who rode the childhood rapids with me, for their emphatic love and support. Debrah Caraway for her rescue efforts and the photo collage of Tanner. Carl, Roberta & ‘Charlie’, Robby, John & ‘Lola’ and ‘Porter,’ Hiroshi, Bonnie, Wren and ‘Winnie’, Zari, Ahmad & ‘Dexter’, Dani, Rich & ‘Kona’, Doug, Jeanne & ‘Ceba’, Bettina & ‘Otto’, Olivia & ‘Nikita’, Fernando, Mia, ‘Reina’ & ‘Lucy,’ and the gang at Malibu Dog Park for graciously sharing their friendships and dog toys with us. Ed King and the gang at A Course In Miracles for taking me into the fold and helping me “see things differently.”
Finally…Tanner, an amazing dog, terrific companion, and my 4-legged therapist, for his gentle, healing, soulful nature that helped me discover my better self. Finally, Eugenie, my wife, best friend, and the love of my life, for always believing in me when I didn’t deserve it, and sticking by me until I saw the light.
It was a tough night for Tanner and Eugenie; they failed to predict the key awards, and had to listen to me crow about Argo‘s Best Picture win. We were all glad to see Life of Pi pick up some gold, especially Tanner who loves all movies featuring 4-legged creatures.
Louis Spirito 